An 18-year-old South Carolina man pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of his uncle last year. Damarion Nealy, who was 17 at the time, received a sentence of no more than five years under the youthful offender act. The incident occurred in Horry County when Nealy pointed a gun at Gregory Johnson II's head.
Damarion Nealy pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the death of his 20-year-old uncle, Gregory Johnson II, according to the 15th Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office. The shooting took place in Horry County in 2025 while the pair were in Johnson's car near woods where Johnson had been firing a pistol at deer. Prosecutors said Johnson handed the gun to Nealy and asked if he wanted to 'take a shot,' despite Nealy's age making it illegal for him to handle the firearm. Nealy then pointed it at Johnson's head with his finger on the trigger under enough pressure to fire, striking Johnson fatally. Nealy fled the scene, and Johnson died shortly afterward. Nealy later admitted holding the gun when it 'went off.' A judge sentenced the now-18-year-old under the youthful offender act, capping his prison time at five years. James D. Stanko, a violent crimes assistant solicitor, stated, 'The fact and the evidence of the case showed involuntary manslaughter was the appropriate charge in these circumstances. We feel this was a fair resolution to these tragic events.' Johnson had recently launched a landscaping business with his father, reflecting his entrepreneurial plans for home projects.